Wednesday, April 28, 2010

The main difference between Eastern and Western diet is that Eastern diet consists mainly of rice or noodles, which is garnished with vegetables and meat, the meat being of poultry, or of fish. That of the West mainly is consisting of meat, which, if not beef, is pork, sandwiched in wheat buns.

Now, wheat has been found to provide growth, mostly physical, while rice simply provides carbohydrates, which is then converted into sugar in the blood, and used up when manual work is done.

Which is why the number of obese people in the West is far more than those in the East.

Furthermore, if an Asian migrates to the West, and if he takes on the Western diet, he also grows fat.

So it is neither genes nor race, but rather, the diet.

i found this article about good eating habits in the Ezine article directory, and interestingly, it is written by a Westerner. Who else would be writing it better, than someone who knows its value?

Most everyone knows that good eating habits are essential to good health and well being and while many people seem to ignore this fact, lots of people really do try to eat properly but part of the problem and the main reason a lot of people just don't seem to be able to maintain good eating habits is both misinformation as well as lack of information.

With the vast variety of foods out there and the vast amount of advertising done for many of these foods with oftentimes misleading statements regarding their dietary values it would stand to reason that it is so easy to be guided off track and right into bad food choice territory. Add to the equation the vast amount of diet plans for weight loss as well as the amount of trendy new cookbooks extolling the virtues of the latest fad revolutionary healthy foods to eat and you have a vast array of contradicting information coming at you from all sides!

So what should you do to develop good eating habits? Well, here are some guidelines to follow to get you well on your way to making better, more health minded food choices.

1) PREPARE YOURSELF FOR SUCCESS

In order to begin you need to prepare yourself mentally. Plan in advance what you will be eating during the week, write it out for yourself, stock up on those foods and make it happen!

2) PROTEIN IS VITAL

Make sure you eat protein in some form at every meal, including breakfast.

Just stay in moderation here. A quarter cup of pistachios, almonds or cashews are not only tasty, but a good source of protein.

7) REDUCE THE PORTIONS

When at home, use smaller plates. If you go out, order the smaller size or if one size fits all, get a doggie bag in advance and put half your meal in it before you start to eat. You will fell better and have a good meal to eat again later.

8) DRINK LOTS OF WATER

Water has great dietary and overall health benefits. Many hunger pangs are due to lack of water. Drinking plenty of water throughout the day will keep you hydrated and will reduce food cravings.

9) GO MEATLESS FOR A MEAL A DAY

Try eating one meal per day with no meat. For example, have a peanut butter and jelly sandwich rather than a hamburger. You reduce bad fat and increase fiber and protein.

10) NEVER SKIP BREAKFAST

A proper breakfast gets your metabolism going. Use cereals with at least 5 grams of fiber and no more than 8 grams of sugar and use non-fat milk.

11) EAT MORE SEAFOOD

Eat water packed tuna and salmon; they are loaded with omega-3 fatty acids that help protect the heart. You should have these seafood's 2-3 times per week.

12) BRING YOUR OWN LUNCH

Rather than eating lunch out all the time, make your lunch and only eat out for lunch once a week. You'll save money and know your eating good things like whole grain bread, lean chicken or ham and fruit or veggies.

The fact is if you use these simple guidelines as a means to put together a plan of good eating habits you will be well on your way to developing them with sound nutrition and you will be paving the way for a life long journey of better health.

Jim O'Neill gives you tons of valuable information on the subjects of weight loss, fitness, and nutrition to make it easy for you to live a healthy lifestyle. Sign up now for his free 7 part mini e-course at: http://www.mrgymfitness.com

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(IMPORTANT: While useful info is found here, it is best that you consult with your physician for medical advice.)